A Green Lie

Literary Challenge 68 - STO Halloween
---

"And that's why we call it 'Halloween'". Kathryn smiled, then sipped from her short glass.

Staza Murai returned the smile then looked out the window of Headsail Lounge. Located on Deck 15 to starboard side, the large windows revealed streaks of light as Solaris traveled at a lazy Warp 3. The majority of the ship's crew was due for shore leave and Risa was their destination. As the Diplomatic Attaché for the Klingon Empire on board the ship, Staza made effort to learn from the crew of a Federation vessel. Her association with the Captain of the vessel was expected and Kathryn was very approachable, rumors in the Syndicate notwithstanding: the "Scarlet Scorpion" was not the crazed rogue captain Staza was told would be at the helm.

Kathryn lowered her drink. "What about you? Any traditions from your culture to share?"

The Orion casually shrugged. "Oh, I'm sure there is plenty in the Federation's cultural records."

"Reading about it from an anthropologist is not the same as hearing it from a direct source. Wouldn't you agree?"

Staza looked back to Kathryn and thought for a second. "Yes, I agree. Good point." Sitting straighter and facing forward, Staza reached for Kathryn's drink and took a sip. Kathryn did not blink, as if she expected it.

Smiling a little then looked at her arms, Staza said, "tell me, Captain, do all Orions have green skin?"

Kathryn sat straighter, surprised at the question. "I ... I've seen different shades of green. But, yes,"

"Ah, then you would be wrong."

Leaning forward, Kathryn was wide-eyed.

The Orion leaned forward and lowered her voice as if telling a secret. "Orions were once three sub-races: Green Orions like me, Grey Orions and Ruddy Orions."

"Ruddy?"

Staza looked around as if Kathryn spoke too loud. "Yes. Yellow to dark red skin tones. They were created by the Preservers to be the leaders and administrators. To accomplish this, they enslaved the Green and Greys as they needed. Also, biased and unjust laws kept them in power until uprisings and mass exodus left them with no labor force. They didn't know how to 'do' the things needed to maintain a civilization. With enough time, they became extinct because of their greed for power and control at the cost of the resource they exploited."

"And what of the Greys?"

Green lips curled as if disgusted. "They were pitiful in their own existence. Genetically altered by the Ruddy's to be smart and inquisitive, they handled the technical and scientific aspects of our culture. Ironically, their intelligence was their doom: to keep them in line, the Ruddy's also modified their genes to be very vulnerable to disease and illness. Some Greys were born so susceptible, they were confined to live in hermetically sealed housing their entire lives. Oh, there were a few lucky ones, but they were extremely rare and faked illness so not to stand out and be 'special'. Staza shook her head. "Needless to say, they are extinct because their genetic malfunctions simply eroded their ability to successfully reproduce."

There was a moment of silence as the two women stared at each other. Kathryn took a sip from her drink. "I had no idea."

Staza traced an infinity loop absent-mindlessly on the table while smiling. "No one does."

"What do you mean?"

"As I'm sure you are aware, Orions, by our nature, are secretive and revel in playing 'the long game' in everything we do. So it was the Green Orions that orchestrated the other's demise. Nordell The Calculating, a Green, laid the framework for the genocide of the Ruddys and Greys in his apocryphal 'Gri Ando Meli Entro', or Plan of Grand Revenge. You see, Nordell considered the Green Orions as the superior race, so he created a plan that, over thousands of generations, have led to the Orion culture as you know it."

Kathryn's jaw dropped. "That's incredible!'

The Green Orion shrugged. "Well, the truth is actually less colorful."

"Wh ... what?"

"Orions are just another space-faring race, that has an eccentric way of doing business. From a certain point of view."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind

Out in the Cold

Unofficial Literary Challenge 2, Prompt 3 - Out in the Cold
---

She released the trigger and the phaser beam stopped its continuous burn. The Breen soldier collapsed and fell into the river, shattering the thin layer of ice. He was quickly swallowed by the water and disappeared.

Kathryn released her breath and the puff of hot air quickly dissipated into the biting wind. Lowering the rifle, she looked back to the Breen campsite. Destroyed crates littered the area and the single temporary structure was covered with snow. Three Breen soldiers lay where they were shot down, their injuries still smoking from phaser blasts. Ian McKinnon appeared from the shelter with the third member of the Away Team. Travis Mechols was barely conscious and his face was bruised and bloodied. The crewman was also without cold protective gear. Kathryn grabbed an arm to help carry Travis away.

All three shuffled quickly and quietly up the snow bank back to their own camp. It only took three minutes until they were in the cave. Kathryn fired her phaser rifle to a rock pile that turned red hot from heat. The injured crewman shuddered uncontrollably as they covered him up with a thermal blanket. Kathryn and Ian looked to one another then both started removing their field kits.

"Ian, go watch the entrance." She started working on the straps to her boots.

"No, sir. I think it would be more appropriate for me to-."

Kathryn’s look interrupted Ian. "You are the sharpshooter between us. I don't know how many Breen are still out there. Go watch the entrance, that's an order."

Ian stood silent as Kathryn unzipped the field jacket. She wiggled out of it then noticed Ian had not moved. Sliding under the covers she purposefully cleared her throat. "Ian?"

He was startled at the sound of Kathryn’s voice. "Right. Yes, sir. Right away, sir." He shuffled away. "Of course, sir."

Kathryn huddled next to Travis and embraced him. His chattering teeth subsided as her body heat added to the blanket and steaming rocks. She started to shiver as his body sapped heat from hers.

After several minutes, both Kathryn and Travis were warm again. She started to crawl away when she realized Travis was aroused. He moaned a little. Kathryn quickly wiggled from under the blanket. She pulled up her pants and knelt to grab her jacket when Travis said, "Captain?"

Kathryn quickly responded, "Get some rest. You're safe."

Travis was still groggy and winced from the bruise to his cheek. "How long was I out?" He looked around briefly. "Where is Ian?"

"Guarding the entrance." She pulled the field jacket over her shoulder and noticed Travis was looking at her. "Crewman?"

"Uh, sir ... did we ... you know ..."

Kathryn looked puzzled for a second before realizing the implication. She smirked and simply replied, "no."

Travis raised his hands as if to push her away. "Not that I would! I mean, I would." His eyes got wide. "I mean, you're the Captain and all." He gulped with embarrassment. "Sir."

Kathryn giggled at his attempt to save face. "It's okay." She picked up her rifle. "I think I'm going to relieve Ian. Get some rest. That's an order."

Travis watched Kathryn walk away. He sighed longingly and said, "yes, sir."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder
Travis Mechols -Freddie Prinze Jr

Kathryn's Maru

Unofficial Literary Challenge 1 - The Kobayashi Maru

---

Kathryn glanced at the operations display over her left shoulder. The image of the Constitution-class ship was dotted with red flashing lights, signifying damage. It was not a pretty picture. 

The simulation was putting her through the paces though and sweat dripped from the stress and from the heat of the controlled fires on the bridge. Her bridge crew was also in various states of smudge and sweat. One even played dead on the bridge after his console erupted in sparks, signifying a catastrophic EPS conduit failure.

"Target status report!" Kathryn refocused her attention to the task at hand. The Kobayashi Maru had taken damage from the Klingon attack and her crew was able to destroy one Klingon ship and cripple a second one, but the third was being particularly elusive, especially for a K'Tinga-class cruiser. Although Kathryn decided on the oft-used tactic of head-on combat, she was proud her flying orders had kept her ship alive and firing.

A Bolian from the tactical station replied, "shields down to twenty-five percent, port nacelle venting plasma, but he's still flying sharp."

"Thank you Nebar. Weapons, keep putting pressure, to stop that ship from getting closer to the Maru. I don't care for hits, just keep them away." Krysta'alin nodded as she waved off a puff of smoke from behind her. "Ops, status of theMaru."

Carranza quickly replied, "heavy structural damage, shields down, they are requesting emergency transport."

"Tell them we are on our -"

"New warp signature inbound!" Nebar’s interruption caught everyone on the bridge off-guard. Even the 'dead' crewman turned his head toward the viewscreen. 

The Kobayshi Maru was joined by a Brigand Cruiser. Carranza reported, "reading multiple transporter signals!"

Kathryn response was immediate, "Helm, take us to the Maru. Weapons, concentrate firepower to the engines, that ship is not going anywhere!"

"Captain, bogey three is turning for an intercept course to the Maru."

"Thank you, Nebar, but I'm sure we'll get there first."

---

The training commander tossed the PADD onto the desk. It slapped the surface without bouncing and slid toward Kathryn, resting for her to see the small script. She glanced at it to be formal but she knew what it read, then looked back to the wall behind the commander.

"I'm curious what you think of the results."

Kathryn swallowed a little before responding. "The test was unfair."

The commander rolled his eyes. "Please humor me, by telling me something original."

Clearing her throat and sitting up straighter, Kathryn said, "what I mean is a variable was introduced not typical for the test."

"Ah, yes. The Orions. Your tactic was to intercept their ship, disable the engines ... and then what?"

"Once the Brigand was immobilized, then we would attempt to finish off the K'Tinga. If that was done, then a MACO team would be sent to the Brigand to rescue the Maru crew.

The commander reclined in his chair "Attempt. If. You were taking chances on chance, wouldn't you say?"

Kathryn shrugged her shoulders. "Given the situation, those are all I had."

"I see. If you plan to sit in the command chair of a vessel in Starfleet, then I recommend not getting used to shrugging shoulders."

"I -," Kathryn cut herself short when she noticed the commander's raised eyebrows. "Yes, sir."

There was a moment of silence before the commander spoke again. "Cadet Beringer, I've read your dossier from Counselor A'Mand. Consider this experience a warning to you: don’t let your personal feelings get in the way of your duties. Duty to Starfleet before duty to self, do you understand?"

---

Cast:

Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Training Commander - Bill Murray
Bridge crew - random street extras
Mentioned but not seen - Counselor A'Mand - Lynn Collins

Solaris is GO

Literary Challenge 67 - Delta Rising

Transwarp Gateways were gigantic constructs and simply looked like a large tube bent at six angles. They floated in space, held into a fixed position relative to nearby stars by RCS thruster assemblies and basically automated. Only a few work crews from varying factions arrived for scheduled maintenance and repair.

On board Solaris, Kathryn Beringer looked at the viewscreen to one of the few that sprinkled the known galaxy. The one she marveled at in particular was still under construction and projected to be completed within weeks. In the background was the Solonae Sphere. Being four AU away, she could see it as a massive black dot that blocked out the stars.

A console nearby chirped, adding to the many beeps already present on the bridge. Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi received the message and looked to Kathryn. "Captain, the gate engineer has sent the passcode. The shuttle is enroute and will be requesting docking clearance within five minutes."

Kathryn nodded, "thank you Thel." She looked to her First Officer and smiled. "Just enough time if we run."

Anthi Ythysi grinned, "I could use the exercise."

"Commander Omazei, you have the conn."

"Aye, Captain," the Trill replied and stood from the science station to sit in the Captain's chair as Kathryn and Anthi entered the turbolift.

+++

The Tellarite handed Kathryn a PADD. She was trying not to breathe heavy from the jog needed to arrive in the shuttlebay before the Gateway Engineer could disembark.

"Be careful with that information, this data transfer is not typical and I'm not interested in formalities."

Kathryn took a deep breath before responding. "Sounds like a personal problem, but following orders is what we do in Starfleet, right?"

The Tellarite rolled his eyes and waved off the remark. "Unless we have other business, then I'm already late to fix something else of galactic importance."

"Of course, safe journeys." Kathryn internally winced at the comment and braced herself for the retort.

The Tellarite had already walked back toward the shuttle. "Yeah, yeah."

Anthi and Kathryn waited for the shuttle door to close before walking out of the shuttlebay. Anthi turned to Kathryn and said, "I think he likes you."

Kathryn shrugged then tapped her combadge. "I'm busy. Captain to Senior Staff, meet in my ready-room in ten minutes."

"Thank you for not making me run again."

"Although this is important, I'm not running over my crew to get started."

+++

Please enter passcode.

Kathryn looked from the PADD and entered the alpha-numeric code onto the wall MCD in her office. The screen darkened and was blank. Kathryn expected it per the instructions from the PADD, but it was still atypical. She turned to her Senior Staff.

"So, that's it?" Thel's hands was open.

"That's all I know. Being one of the few Excelsior-class ships left in the fleet, Solaris was chosen to test the first drop-off point out there for the new Gateway using our own T-Drive."

Omazei spoke up next, "where is there?"

Kathryn shook her head. "It's classified to me, but Admiral Quinn did say it would be a safe spot within Janeway's Road. Once we get there, we will know more, yet I presume we'll follow SOP. Quinn also ordered us to do a little exploring while we're out there."

The staff all smiled at that comment, which made Kathryn smile as well.

"I know, exploring before fighting. It's going to be a little exciting around here."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Seen but not heard: Annika Kramer - Abbie Cornish
Gateway Engineer - Key Grip #1

Origins

Literary Challenge 66 - The Xindi Paradox, prompt 2
---

2396 ...

She made her case.  She sat forward in the chair, defiant against her captor. Hands bound by rope behind her, cloth strips wrapped thick around the forearms, they protected her from the abrasive action of the drill she had to hold when she worked her shift in the Dilithium mine. Her clothes were torn and filthy, essentially a heavy cloth smock covering her torso and upper legs in a single garment. Kathryn wore tattered leather adult male boots that fit loosely around her feet. Her scarlet hair was tied in a single ponytail made dull and limp from the dust and grime. Six years of servitude and several months planning, then waiting, were about to play out. She hoped not to get caught, yet considered the possibility. Kathryn had pulled a small handmade shiv from one arm-wrap and was working the sharp edge against the rope. She grimaced through the discomfort of making small cuts. She recalled the sharpened bone came from a fellow slave that died shortly after her own arrival to this hellish place. Kathryn used the bone shard as a gruesome reminder of the need to escape.

An Orion male stood from his victim and walked up to Kathryn. He blocked the harsh light in the room with his massive bulk, thus providing a very small amount of relief. His body odor assaulted Kathryn's nostrils, yet it was only slightly worse than the stench of the room they were in. His overly muscular body made his clothing very tight. Kathryn noticed the long scar running down his left arm; it was a symbol of the slaver clan working the mining operation. Some Orions proudly displayed the scar through decoration of varying sorts and the large Orion standing over Kathryn was one of them. His scar was painted a bright red, which contrasted against his olive green skin. It was menacing, and Kathryn tried to ignore it.

Being in his shadow, she quickly looked to her left to see the young girls she tried to help, one Human, one Bajoran and a Trill. Each cowering in fear and crying from their injuries; fresh bruises made by the same Orion standing before Kathryn. Looking to the right, one other Orion male rested against a wall and held a leather whip. He was the slave driver and had been her waking nightmare ever since day one. She grew to hate the man because of the perpetually smug look on his face. The Orion in front of her was the castigator. Both were massive men, but the castigator was the largest person Kathryn had ever seen in her nineteen years of life.

Leaning down to Kathryn, the large Orion said, "see, little girl, the only laws here are our laws. And you dare suggest your Federation citizenship should protect you, and them!?" He slapped her across the face.

I, Kathryn Selena Beringer, do hearby swear to uphold the laws and edicts of the United Federation of Planets.

She yelped from the shock of pain that washed over her face even though she expected it. Kathryn could feel the skin on her cheek throb and each pulse brought renewed pain. She spit onto the ground. The castigator laughed for several seconds. She looked to the slave driver hoping he didn't notice her plan as she continued making small cuts. He just kept smiling.

"So, you have some resolve, some fight. Like a little scorpion trying to sting a dragon." He reached down and grabbed Kathryn's jaw forcing her to look at him and his dirty teeth. "You should save your strength for yourself." His ugly face twisted into disgust and contempt.

May my left arm always be raised as a shelter for the weak ...

Kathryn could feel the rope against her hands loosen. Half-heartedly feigning a shiver in fear to disguise her efforts with the shiv, she questioned her ability to follow-through with the plan and felt her excitement rise. Sweat crawled down her chest with anticipation. Kathryn spoke slowly through squeezed lips. "Starfleet. Will come. For us."

The castigator's eyes widened at the bravado, then released his grip and bent backward howling with laughter. Even the slave driver chuckled.

Her hands became free. She pushed aside doubt and acted. Kathryn quickly launched herself and raised the blade above her head. Screaming with fear, she drove it into the castigator's face.

May my right arm always be raised against the wicked ...

The large Orion collapsed from shock. Orange blood sprayed the air as they landed. The girls screamed from the horror and seemed to shrink upon themselves. The slave driver was surprised by the intensity of the assault then scrambled to untangle his whip.

Kathryn yanked the blade from the castigator's head and charged toward the slave driver, yells of fury burned her throat. The Orion had enough time to raise the whip before Kathryn crashed into him. His breath was lost as Kathryn's blade pushed deep into his chest.

I swear to defend the United Federation of Planets and it's citizens, against all foes.

They flailed but Kathryn's attack did not stop. Years of physical and mental abuse from the slave driver fueled the onslaught until her energy was spent. She slowly stood from the ruined torso, splashed with blood and trembling from the adrenaline drain. Turning to the girls, Kathryn slowly regained a sense of self and realized they were sobbing uncontrollably.

She rushed to them and soothed them into tearful silence. "Please. You've caused enough noise!" Kathryn looked to the door, surprised no one else had entered. "Look, I didn't plan for you to be here with me, but I'm serious about getting out of here."

One girl, the Trill nearest Kathryn's age with long (but unnaturally dirty) blonde hair, shook her head. "I ... I ... can't."

Kathryn immediately slapped her, which surprised the other two. "It's too late for that." She quickly pawed at dirt and patted it onto the wet blood splatters on her garment and skin. "There is an ore freighter that's going to leave as soon as it's hold is full. We need to get to it because it's heading for Federation space. We need to go now, and you have to listen to everything I say. If you don't, then I'm going to have to leave you behind. Now, come on!"

The castigator spasmed and that pushed the three girls into action. They scrambled to their feet and followed close to Kathryn who was at the door to the room and opened it.

I swear allegiance to the Starfleet Charter, and the principles for which it stands, liberty and equality for all lifeforms.

She led them down a small maze of hallways. At several moments they hid from the increasing numbers of Orion patrols by crawling through ventilation ducts in the walls, and on one occasion, blending into lines of other slaves as they headed to 'work'.  Several times the runaways had to help each other change their appearance by applying dirt or scrubbing it away. Hair had to be shaped differently; ponytails let go or tied back up in different patterns. They even changed clothing on one break. Kathryn marveled at their luck, or at least her own.

I dedicate my mind to the search for truth ...

Eventually, they reached the cargo bay. The station was a reasonably large structure built into a large Dilithium-rich asteroid. The Orion Syndicate has sold children from across the Alpha and Beta quadrants into slave labor camps that was run by nefarious mega-conglomerates. For her first year, Kathryn tried to memorize as much detail as she could, for when she was released she would reveal the evil that existed here and elsewhere. Yet, as the years progressed, the likelihood anyone would do something to save her, or anyone, diminished. Past memories transformed to future planning. She started noticing patterns in ore production, work transfers, and incoming or outgoing deliveries. Kathryn started to 'see' a way out of her situation. She stopped accepting her unpleasant existence and started relishing the right moment when she could break free.

Then she would expose this place, and the galaxy would punish the Syndicate.

... and my body to explore new worlds and new civilizations.

Across the large bay, several cargo containers littered the space in between the alcove the four girls huddled in and the docking ring door. Large blast windows revealed the blackness of space. Orange light from the nearby planet lit up one corner of the window and revealed the Trellwan freighter. It was rusty brown and littered with micro-craters, exhibiting its age. It invited her to freedom. She remembered how her family travelled the stars to a new colony on board the same type of ship; how they were boarded by Orion pirates and taken to this asteroid as slaves. Kathryn knew that ship well and she could imagine where they would hide until the ship came to rest in Federation space.

Kathryn surveyed the cargo bay once more before preparing her 'team'. "Okay, the freighter should be empty, the crew typically parties with some of the Orions here. We are going to run through the crates on the floor - shortest path is a straight line thing, you know?"

The girls nodded.

"There may be a twenty meter sprint to the docking door past the crates. Once inside, I'll show you where we'll stow away."

"But, what if we get caught?" The Bajoran whispered loudly.

Kathryn shrugged, yet her response was firm. "I don't know and I don't care. It's a chance I'm willing to take because it'll be better than staying here."

The human girl hmphed, "unless we get blacked out".

"Then you can stay here." Kathryn started to move toward the edge of the alcove but still watched the girl for a retort. She just looked away and shook her head.

I dedicate my heart to the preservation of life ...

They quickly moved as a group around the first crate with Kathryn leading. Excitement laced with fear had her heart racing with each step. She was heading into the cargo bay, surrounded by huge containers filled with Dilithium that created a random maze. Not knowing if any direction would lead them into a dead end, she could only trust her instincts and sense of direction.

After several twists and turns, her instincts lead the group true: they awed at the sight of the docking door to the freighter. It was circular and wide open. The short hallway was bright and lead right into the guts of the ship.

Kathryn could feel herself being pulled by the door as if it had it's own gravity. She whispered to herself, "it can't be that easy." She waited several seconds and the only sounds she could hear was the dull hum of the power generators and the increasing drum-beat rhythm of her heart. Looking to the girls, they only stared back, their eyes asking questions she could not answer except for one.

"Go!"

... and dedicate my soul ...

Their legs filled with uncontrolled energy and they ignored any attempt at stealth. Boots and shoes stomped onto the metal floor and each step echoed against crates and walls. Kathryn heard thunderbolts with each step. Her leg muscles started to flare with pain and saliva ran across her cheeks as she sprinted for her life. She was just slightly aware the other girls were several meters behind her.

Her first step into the docking collar was a triumph with explosions from fireworks and cheering crowds. She felt like she just saved the galaxy and her eyes filled with tears. But she did not stop running.

Inside the ship, Kathryn ignored the sudden temperature change from the humidity of the mine to the chilly air of the freighter. Sweat seemed to freeze on her skin and she turned toward the rear of the ship. That's when she realized she was alone.

Looking back through the docking collar, she could see the other three girls laying on the floor just outside the docking ring, burn marks on their chest or back and smoldering. Kathryn ducked when she saw an Orion appear with a disruptor rifle. She breathed quick and could hear them talking but could not make out what they were saying. Frantically, she looked around recalling the layout of the ship, thoughts flashing like lightning. The three girls did not anchor or drag Kathryn's plan. If anything, their willingness to follow gave her strength. Now they were dead because of her.

Kathryn shook her head. No. Because of them.

The Orions started laughing. That they seemed to revel in the deaths of young girls angered her.

... to the service of ...

Quickly, she stood and delved into the bowels of the freighter. She found the Jeffries tube two junctions away from the galley. She laid down and rested her head on her arms, looking at a blank wall, yet stared into the future.

Kathryn never knew the girls' names. She resigned herself to never know, because it really didn't matter. In the 24th century, there are machines that could do the work here. People, much less children, should not be here at all.

She vowed to return and stop the Orion Syndicate in this place. Some day.

... justice.

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols

Dangerous Relic

Literary Challenge 8 - Unknown Anomalies
---

"Captain." Kathryn Beringer turns her command chair toward her Science Chief's station. The Trill's eyes reflected the data scrolling on her screen as she hunched over the console table extension. "Sensors report a large asteroid is within the Sathir System, 33 parsecs from our position. It's on a collision course with Sathir III, an M-class planet." Omazei's voice is tinged with concern.

Kathryn's curiosity pulled her toward the Science station. First Officer Anthi Ythysi approached as well, the Andorian's professional demeanor could be heard as she walked across the bridge. All three officers reviewed the data as it crawled across three separate monitors.

Kathryn stood straight and crossed her arms. "The asteroid is large enough to do significant damage. What is known about Sathir III?"

Omazei looked up, "records show there is a pre-flight culture established. The USS Misericorde catalogued the system in 2405. I ran a deep space scan and the planet does not have any artificial satellites in orbit. They may be aware of the asteroid though."

Anthi looked away from the console to Kathryn. "Captain, we are expected at Corinth IV and our schedule is already tight. Naturally the Prime Directive prevents us from helping."

"I know. I hate to say it, but we can only hope they don't know what going to hit them. We will have to resume our course and notify Starfleet to conduct a follow-up mission to update records."

A beeping sound chirped from the Science console capturing the officer's attention. Omazei tapped a few keys before looking back to Kathryn. "Captain, new telemetry suggests the asteroid in emitting an energy signature."

Kathryn raised an eyebrow. "That's unusual. Any further details?"

Omazei turned to the station and tapped even more keys. "Unusual is right. It's a nuclear energy source, fission-type and faint but detectable. It's leaving a trail."

"Can we determine where the trail leads?"

Omazei shrugged. "Not yet. More time is needed to evaluate."

Kathryn stood in thought for a few seconds before turning to the Helmsman. "Mister McKinnon, if we accelerated to Warp nine and included a Transwarp jump, how much sooner would we arrive at Corinth IV?"

Ian McKinnon used his console to recalculate travel times. "Three hours, sir."

Anthi stepped closer to Kathryn. "Based on protocols that’s still close, Captain."

She returned Anthi’s stare. "I agree, but an asteroid emitting nuclear fission is not natural. I don't perceive the Prime Directive protects us anymore." Looking back to Ian, Kathryn raised her voice. "Mister McKinnon, change course to heading six-three-seven mark two, warp seven. Omazei, continue scanning that asteroid, I need to know why it's leaking nuclear fission as soon as possible."

+++

"Captain, telemetry indicates the nuclear energy is emanating from a metallic structure embedded on the surface." Omazei sounded incredulous. "Analysis shows the nuclear particles are only a few hundred years old."

"What about the source?" Kathryn’s mind was reeling from the possibilities. The Solaris was on an intercept course and the further he moved away from their expected course the more likely the treaty negotiations with the Kromrif were going to be difficult, at best.

After a few seconds Omazei reported, "details are sketchy but it's a power source on an artificial satellite. I can presume it crashed on the asteroid."

Kathryn's brow furrowed and she looked to Anthi, who only shook her head slightly. "Can we determine who constructed the satellite?"

"If these readings are correct … it originated from ... Earth."

Everyone on the bridge looked to Omazei. Kathryn said what they were all thinking. "What?!"

"The closer we get, the more detailed the information becomes, but I"m reading this was one of the Fesenkov series."

Kathryn raised a hand to her mouth as if trying to avoid saying something. "Omazei, given the relative sizes of the Fesenkov satellite and the asteroid is it possible the asteroid trajectory could have been affected by the impact?"

"Yes, Captain."

"So, technically," Kathryn looked to Anthi. "We're responsible for what's going to happen to Sathir III if we don’t act."

Anthi nodded a few times in thought before responding. "Agreed."

Looking around the bridge Kathryn could see everyone concurred. "Then it is settled. Mister McKinnon, increase speed to warp eight and recalculate for a second Transwarp jump to Corinth IV. Captain to Engineering."

"This is Engineering," replied Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi.

"Thel, I know we are pushing Solaris for this mission, but I am going to need extended maximum warp to get back to Corinth IV with two T-jumps as well."

"It can be done, but I may need to conduct a few repairs at Corinth after this, as well as a promise not to do it again ... ever."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder
Omazei - Gemma Arterton

Heard but not seen:
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo

Revenge

Literary Challenge 59 - Wrath of Betazed
---

The sheet was pulled and Kathryn grimaced at the sight. She turned from the deceased Jem'Hadar to another table where a Betazoid female lay. Between the two, hers was uncovered first. Kathryn looked at the doctor. "You believe these deaths are linked?"

The Bolian nodded as he covered the Jem'Hadar, then turned to the Betazoid to cover her up. "They are the only fatalities to have occurred within three weeks and they both expired within one hour of each other".

Kathryn turned to her Medical Officer standing near her. Romas Verthir was stroking his pointed beard in thought and nodded to his Captain.

Returning to the doctor, Kathryn said, "May I please have your analysis for my team to investigate?"

Doctor Tazan handed over a PADD. "Of course, that's why we called you. These injuries are not like anything I've seen. The station director is hoping to find resolution quickly because he's afraid of hysteria breaking out, much less have a murderer loose on the station."

Kathryn smiled slightly. "I understand. The resources of the Solaris are at your disposal."

Tazan bowed slightly. Kathryn and Romas returned the gesture and walked out of the morgue.

In the hallway, they looked up and down the corridor. Not seeing anyone, Romas spoke first. "I have my suspicions that this is not a random occurrence."

They started walking toward the director's office. Without looking to her Betazoid Lieutenant, Kathryn asked, "Care to elaborate?"

"There is no doubt both were killed deliberately. I'll need to review the data before I can say more. But I can sense the doctor feels he should be able to solve the problem. I sense reluctance to be working with us."

They stopped at the turbolift. "Head back to the ship, I'll see the Director about his concerns. Hopefully the presence of the Solaris will allay further fears."
---

On board Solaris
Romas scanned the information from the station doctor's PADD on a large viewscreen in his office. Looking at images of the deceased Jem'Hadar's skull, he noticed several fractures along the cranium. Highlighting the cracks, Romas noted they were radiating from the temporal lobe. Switching to the Betazoid, her skull showed the same radial fractures.

Shifting images from the bones to the organs, he read the doctor's notes that the Betazoid's vocal cords were traumatized. This suggested she screamed for a prolonged period shortly before or during her death. Both victims brains were half liquefied.

"Oh, no." Romas pushed aside his assumption with hope as he said aloud, "Computer, reference medical records declaring radial fractures to cranium and ... cross reference reported Jem'Hadar non-combat injuries."

There was a brief moment of silence before the ships computer chirped aloud, "there are no public records available."

Romas' eyebrows furrowed. "Refine search, open parameters to include Betazoid race."

The computer returned the same results and Romas decided to sit down. Realization of a dark truth crept into his mind. "No public records" He stared at the medical notes a few minutes longer while twisting his memories and medical training. Reluctantly he stated, "Computer, refine search, open parameters to combat-related injuries."

The ship computer beeped and the female voice gently stated, "there are four-thousand eighty three records available."

Romas sat up straight. A small strand of fear crept into his thoughts. "Is there a time frame these records were generated?"

"Stardates 51249.11 to 53803.07."

"Provide figures localized to within the Beta Quadrant." Fear turned to dread from the response.

"Three thousand eight hundred ninety seven."

Romas felt warm under his uniform coat. He continued on his hunch. "How many of those were localized on Betazed?"

"Three thousand one hundred forty seven."

---

"Yes, Captain, assassination." Romas sat across from Captain Beringer in her ready room. The station doctor's PADD rested between them. He was very calm with his hands clasped together on the table.

Kathryn wore a deep frown as she slumped back into her chair. "This is the first case of it's kind since 2376? Do you know why?"

"I believe a radical faction of patriots from The War have returned. Living weapons whose empathic abilities became heightened, strengthened and ultimately utterly destructive. The psychic energy would be a shockwave felling tens of Jem'Hadar at the cost of the patriot's life. I believe this is what's happened on the station."

"Why weren't anyone else affected by the psychic shockwave?"

Romas spread his hands open. "It's not meant to be used in a large area. According to the report, the Jem'Hadar was on security patrol in the shuttle bay. Very open and very empty at the time of death. The attacker had enough life to crawl away from the scene and died in a nearby hallway."

Kathryn nodded. "Did these ... patriots ... work alone?"

"No. But I can't say there is continued danger anymore because there was only one Jem'Hadar on the station. The only traditional target is dead."

Kathryn leaned forward. "But if free Jem'Hadar continue to join the Federation, then are we witness to a new resurgence of revenge killings?

"I'm unsure, Captain. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait and see."

Kathryn sighed. "These assassins, this faction, did they have a name?"

"The Morituri". Romas looked down as if ashamed.

---

 

Cast:

Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Romas Verthir- Idris Elba